The third annual CTE (Career Technical Education) Signing Day at LBCC was Feb. 15. The annual event celebrates technical training programs and allows high school students to get early acceptance to CTE programs and assistance with scholarships and college resources.

LBCC President Greg Hamann welcomed students and their families. He congratulated them for making an important career choice. “I think you have figured out something that not everyone has figured out,” he said. “One: You are choosing to be part of a great opportunity. Two: High school isn’t enough. Today’s careers require education and training beyond high school, and we want to partner with you as an investment in your success.”

The event, sponsored by LBCC and the Pipeline to Jobs project, was one of 50 events at colleges around the country. More than 3,000 students signed letters of acceptance to a variety of training and certificate programs. Thirty-two GAPS students signed letters of intent in a variety of programs at LBCC.

The program included speakers from local industry, who emphasized the need for skilled workers in technical jobs and the opportunities for students who pursue these careers. Speakers included representatives from NC3, ATI, TRANE, Greenlee, SNAP-On, Fiat Chrysler Automotive. Albany City Councilor Mike Sykes, owner of Mike’s Heating and Air, and Oregon Department of Education Deputy Superintendent Theresa Richards also spoke.

The event concluded with comments from Dave Turin from the Discovery Channel’s reality TV show, Gold Rush. Turin encouraged the students to continuing learning throughout their careers, to challenge themselves and to give back to their communities when they achieve success.

The following students will enroll in career technical programs at LBCC in the fall.